Barbara Petzen is director of training initiatives at the Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC. In this role, she develops executive education and other training programs. She is also director of Middle East Connections, a not-for-profit initiative specializing in professional development and curriculum development on the Middle East and Islam, global education, and study tours to the Middle East for American educators. As the Education Director for the Middle East Policy Council, whe created a comprehensive resource for educators seeking balanced and innovative materials for teaching about the Middle East at TeachMideast.org.